New Britain Board of Education approves condoms proposal

The possibility of condoms being passed out at the New Britain High School became a reality after the board of education voted to approve the policy Monday night.

The policy will make condoms available at the high school through a privately run school-based health center. The goal of handing out condoms is to prevent pregnancy and the spread of STDs.

"If they are going to do it, let them be safe," said one New Britain resident, who did not want to be identified.

Three board members voted against the policy. A majority vote of six members was needed to change the current policy.

According to statistics provided by the school, there are 14 pregnant students and two are already mothers. Last year, there were 31 pregnant teenagers with two of them having their second child. In 2010, 42 girls were pregnant at New Britain High School.

"I think it is a good idea. They should pass out condoms because kids are gonna do it anyway," said Damon Peterson of New Britain.

However, several parents and students said people should be 18 when they engage in sex and it should not be endorsed by the schools.

"Let the parents make the decision, not the school," said parent Zulma Torres.

Twice over the past seven years, the school board struck down the plan, including in 2010.

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